party – Feasting Is Fun

Pink Heart Topped White Chocolate Cupcakes

Cupcakes in themselves are moments of happiness. Since it must be impossible to be angry whilst eating a cupcake? And, imagine an entire, miniature cake all to ourselves. Cute and delicious let me share with you these Pink Heart Topped White Chocolate Cupcakes.

Since Valentines Day is only a few days away, creating a beautiful and tasty cupcake seemed a good idea. While I have mentioned in previous posts such as Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Heart Cookies, that every day should be an opportunity to show those we love and appreciate them, February 14th is the day of love. So to celebrate, these white chocolate chip cupcakes frosted with a velvet white chocolate buttercream, finished with a pink chocolate heart, fit the bill perfectly.

FF Pink Heart Topped White Chocolate Cupcakes — Pink Heart Topped White Chocolate Cupcakes

As these delightfully light cupcakes are so pretty they are also perfect for parties, celebrations and of course to serve at a wedding. Because who wouldn’t want to receive one of these cute cupcakes?

While simple and easy to make, this recipe is designed so that novice bakers can follow and bake incredible cupcakes. Also the buttercream is piped without a nozzle, therefore deleting a need for more equipment. Since a plastic freezer bag can double as an icing bag, simply cut off one corner to leave a 1cm opening, this recipe really is for everyone.

Recipe: Pink Heart Topped White Chocolate Cupcakes makes 12

For the Cupcakes:

100g/4oz Unsalted Butter at room temperature

100g/4oz Caster Sugar

Small Pinch 1/8tsp Sea Salt – I use Maldon

2 Large Free Range Eggs

1 tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

2 tsp Whole Milk

100g/4oz Self Raising Flour, alternately use the same quantity of Plain White Flour and add 1 tsp baking powder

50g/2oz White Chocolate Chips

For the Buttercream:

125g/4.5oz Unsalted Butter at room temperature

250g/8.5oz Icing Sugar

150g/5oz White Chocolate suitable for melting

Up to 2 tbsp Whole Milk

Pink Jazzy Hearts available from Amazon

Optional pink/white sugar balls

Method: Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan, 350F, gas mark 4

Making And Baking The Cupcakes

First of all, line a muffin tin wth 12 cupcake cases.
Place the butter, sugar and salt into a large bowl.
Whish together until pale and creamy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl. Also, sift the flour (and baking powder if using) into the same bowl.
Whisk the ingredients together adding milk as you whisk. Continue until the mixture is uniform in texture, avoid over mixing as this can cause a tough, baked cupcake.
Add the white chocolate chips and fold into the batter.

Spoon the cake batter into the cupcake cases, dividing it evenly between them.
Place the cupcakes in the centre of the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes.
The cupcakes are baked when they have risen, are golden in colour and spring back from a light touch. An inserted skewer or tooth pick will come out clean.

As soon as the cupcakes are baked remove from the oven.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the tin and then transfer them to a cooling rack.
While the cupcakes finish cooling make the buttercream.

Decorating The Cupcakes

Break up the white chocolate and place into a heatproof, microwaveable bowl. Heat on medium for 30 second bursts, stirring after. As soon as the white chocolate starts to melt remove from the microwave. Continue stirring until all of the chocolate has melted. Set to one side to cool slightly.
Place the butter and icing sugar into a bowl. Whisk until just combined.
Pour the melted white chocolate into the bowl and continue whisking, adding milk, a little at a time, to achieve a good piping consistency.
Place the piping bag, without a nozzle attached, into a large jug. The piping bag should have an opening of approximately 1cm.
Fill the piping bag with the white chocolate buttercream.

As soon as the cupcakes are cold they can be decorated.
Keeping even pressure on the piping bag pipe a double swirl on top of each cupcake.
Top each cupcake with a pink heart and add sugar balls if wanted.

The outside of the buttercream will set slightly. So, if you are adding sugar balls, do so immediately after frosting the cupcakes.

Happiness is found in a delicious cupcake!

Serve the cupcakes to those you love and care about. Also share with those people you appreciate. While photographing the cupcakes our postman came to the door, he went away with a cupcake and a smile on his face.

Store these cupcakes for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Refrigerate during warm weather.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Pink Heart Topped White Chocolate Cupcakes then you may also like these:

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Heart Cookies

Strawberry Sweetheart Cake

Lemon Lime Gin Heart Bundt Cake

Most importantly these Pink Heart Topped White Chocolate Cupcakes have a simple recipe, available to all bakers regardless of skill level. Because, everyone should be able to create something beautiful and delicious to share with those they love. And, even those who are too shy to say how they feel, or write it in a card, can make a cupcake that says it all. Because, who knows, baking a cupcake could break down awkwardness between someone and their secret love. Ah the romantic in me is running away with itself!

However you spend Valentines Day, I would like to thank each and every one of you who reads, comments and supports Feasting is Fun. Because, you are all very much appreciated, every single day of the year.

So, whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchens, have fun creating and sharing your feast.

Sammie xx

No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Princess Sparkle Peach Melba Iced Cake

Today we celebrate National Pink Day. It can seem as though there is a national day for just about anything. Whoever thinks these things up? Yet, as our girls have grown, passing through the ‘pink’ stage, I have grown to love the colour pink. Rather than the sickly pink birthday cakes of their toddler years this Princess Sparkle Peach Melba Iced Cake provides an elegant update. Tastefully decorated and delicious to eat.

While raspberry subtly flavours the cake itself, peach bellini icing creates the overall peach melba flavour. And, having a light, fruity flavour, this cake really suits warm summer celebrations. Yet, you get to decide. If a fruity, glittering cake is needed, this cake fits the bill perfectly. A splash of colour and a sprinkle of sparkle may be what is needed at anytime of the year!

Since this cake is both pretty and tasty it deserves to be shared. Fun and perfectly pretty, anyone who loves the colour pink will be thrilled with this cake. Also, this is the perfect cake for those who prefer fruity flavours, rather than chocolate ones. Or, for those of us who enjoy both, the combination of raspberry and peach is a refreshing change.

Recipe: Princess Sparkle Peach Melba Iced Cake serves 10-12

250g/9oz Unsalted Butter

250g/9oz Caster Sugar

1/4tsp Salt – I use Maldon

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

5 Large Free Range Eggs

2.5ml/ approx 1/2tsp or 50 drops of Natural Raspberry Flavour – I use Foodie Flavours natural flavouring drops

275g/10oz Plain White Flour

2tsp Baking Powder

400g Peach Bellini Flavoured icing sugar from Sugar and Crumbs

Food Colouring Gel – I used Wilton pink.

Assorted different sprinkles and dragee balls.

Preheat oven to 160C/140C fan, gas mark 3, 325F.

Note: This cake is baked in a 10 cup ring mould cake tin. If using a Bundt pan, a 10 cup size will also be needed.

Prepare the tin by spraying cake release spray thoroughly to the inside of the tin, using a pastry brush to ensure the cake release fully covers the inside of the tin. I recommend Wilton.

Making And Baking The Moulded Cake

Place the softened butter, salt and sugar into a large bowl. Whisk until pale, creamy and no grittiness can be detected, by rubbing a little of the mixture between your forefinger and thumb.
Next add the vanilla, raspberry flavour and all five eggs.
Finally sieve the flour and baking powder into the bowl.
Whisk slowly, until all of the ingredients have come together to form a cake batter.
Stir the cake batter with a spatula to fully combine.
Spoon the cake batter into the prepared tin. Ensure the top of the cake is level.
Place the cake tin into the centre of a preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes.
The cake is baked when it is a golden colour, starts to shrink away from the sides and an inserted skewer comes out clean.

As soon as the cake is baked remove from the oven and leave to cool for ten minutes in the tin before turning it out.

FF Princess Sparkle Peach Melba Iced Cake — The detail of a ring mould or Bundt pan instantly gives this cake the wow factor.

Allow the turned out cake to fully cool before decorating.

Decorating The Princess Sparkle Cake

While the cake cools, assemble everything needed to decorate the cake.
Likewise the icing can be made.
Sieve the flavoured icing sugar into a bowl.
Add a few drops of water to the bowl and then, using a cocktail stick add a little of the coloured gel.
Stir, adding drops of water to reach the desired thick, yet just dripping, consistency.
Add extra colour now if required.
Mix thoroughly to ensure even colouring.
As soon as the cake is cooled place the cooling rack across a clean, large, baking tray.
Starting at the top of the cake, use a spoon to drizzle the icing.
Work with the shape of the cake. Using the icing is to enhance, and emphasise. Also it aids the addition of sprinkles.
As soon as the icing is finished decorate with sprinkles. Press the larger balls and flowers into the icing as it sets.
Finally, place the fully decorated cake on to a plate, board or cake stand and leave to fully set.

Take a moment to look at your outstanding creation. Made by you. However the cake that you’ve designed turns out, it will be unique. Because, no other cake can impart the love and flair given while making this.

Serve this cake as party centre piece, for your princess or at a beautiful afternoon tea.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Princess Sparkle Peach Melba Iced Cake you may also like these:

Strawberry Chocolate Vanilla Drip Cake

Lemon Lime Gin Heart Bundt Cake

Chocolate Heart Topped Rose Bundt Cake

Finally, I highly recommend investing in a ring cake tin or a Bundt pan. Since they create a unique, baked cake canvas on which to decorate. While there are many ways to decorate a cake, the shape of moulded tins and Bundts create an instant beautiful shape. Most importantly, if you are not a confident cake decorator, they are a wise investment.

So, whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchen, have fun preparing and sharing your feast.

Sammie xx

No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Steamer Trading Host Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

Mother’s Day will soon be upon us. Sunday March 26th 2017 here in the U.K. To help celebrate Mothering Sunday, Steamer Trading asked me to help them set up an Afternoon Tea. I jumped at the opportunity, knowing that the quality and variety of kitchen and cookware they sell is outstanding. While also confident that some easy bakes would partner perfectly with beautiful table and bakeware. See for yourself how Steamer Trading Host Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea.

Homemade cakes and treats always taste much better than shop bought. If, however, baking is an area where confidence is lacking here’s the perfect solution. Buy a few pretty cakes and then make the scones, Super Light Scones . Since this recipe is the easiest on Feasting is Fun and guaranteed to bring a smile to Mum’s face. Add a pot of luxurious clotted cream and strawberry jam to turn this Afternoon Tea into a real feast!

Afternoon Tea Needs A Tea Set

No Afternoon Tea is complete without a beautiful tea set. Having been sent a Burleigh Felicity Teapot I decided to start a collection. Tea cup and saucer, large dinner plate, side plate, pasta bowl and finally a sugar bowl. All bought to start my own collection. As a result I am now building a complete set. The pattern and style have a timeless quality and style.

Putting Afternoon Tea On Display

Within the items sent to me is this Domed Slate Cake Stand. Perfect for keeping bugs out and cakes fresh. Since the slate cake stand also stands alone, the wooden base and dome may also be used to display another tasty item. Maybe cheese and crackers. Most of all, the packaging keeps the cake stand and dome well protected between use. While the slate is sturdy and creates a solid background on which to display the cakes.

Baked And Served With Love

Pictured above is Sophie Conran Cake Server. Highly polished, with a simple, smooth design. As beautiful sitting on the table as it is practical in serving the Heart Shaped Strawberry and Cream Victoria Sponge Cake. Baked using the Springform Heart Tin. In addition to baking cakes, because of the springform element, this tin would be especially good for creating cheesecakes.

Afternoon Tea table laid out with cakes, tea, flowers, fruits and chocolates. — A beautifully laid out Afternoon Tea.

Bowls of fresh strawberries with both large and smaller vases of flowers enhance not only the table setting, but add to the special theme of Mother’s Day. Also, they can be wrapped up, alongside any leftover cakes and scones, for Mum to take home with her. As a result Mum receives a double treat. After all, Mother’s Day is a special day, set aside to thank Mothers.

Bite Size Cakes

Since being sent Masterclass Mini Muffin Tin, I made tiny, pixie cupcakes. Turkish Delight in flavour, their larger cupcake cousins were also baked. Impressed with the strength, non stick coating and durability of the mini muffin tin, I will definitely look to this brand for larger fairy cake and cupcake tins.

Finally, no Mum, or Afternoon Tea is complete without a touch of chocolate. Chocolate Drizzle Cake Squares are easy to make and even easier to eat!

Recipe: Chocolate Drizzle Cake Squares makes 15

175g/6oz Unsalted Butter – softened

175g/6oz Caster Sugar

1/4tsp Salt – I use Maldon

3 Large Free Range Eggs

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

75g/3oz Good Quality Cocoa Powder

125g/4.5oz Plain White Flour

1.5tsp Baking Powder

200g Bar Each of Milk and White Chocolate

Making And Baking The Chocolate Cake Squares

Preheat the oven to 160C/140C fan, gas mark 3, 325F.

Lightly grease, with butter a 28cm x 20cm x 5cm ( 12″ x 8″ x 2″ ) tin and line the base with baking parchment.
In a large bowl add the butter, sugar and salt. Whisk until pale and fluffy.
Next add the eggs, vanilla extract and milk. Then sift in the cocoa, flour and baking powder on top. Whisk slowly until all of the ingredients are combined.
Spoon the chocolate cake batter into the prepared tin. Smooth the batter so that it fills the tin evenly.
Place the tin in the centre of the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes.
The cake is baked when it springs back form a light touch. It will also be coming away for the sides of the tin.
As soon as the cake is baked remove the tin from the oven and set to one side to cool.
When the cake has cooled, tip out on to a parchment lined, flat board.
Remove the parchment from the base of the cake and for afternoon tea portions, slice the cake into 15 x 2″ (5cm) squares.

Decorating The Cake Squares

Place the cake squares on a cooling rack placed over a large baking tray.
Into separate, heatproof, microwaveable bowls, break up the white and then the milk chocolate.
Place one bowl at a time into the microwave. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each zap.
When both the white and milk chocolate are completely melted transfer into 2 medium disposable piping bags.
Start with the milk chocolate, snip the very end of the piping bag off leaving a small hole. Pipe in a zigzag pattern across all of the chocolate cake squares.
Turn the baking tray and pipe as before, except you will now be piping across the chocolate milk, forming a criss-cross pattern.
Allow the chocolate to partially set and then transfer the chocolate squares to a clean piece of baking parchment, on a tray and leave to one side to set. Note – in warmer weather it may be necessary to place in the fridge for a few minutes to allow to set.
Store in a baking parchment lined container, using parchment to separate layers.
These Chocolate Drizzle Cake Squares will last up to 4 days in an airtight container.

FF Steamer Trading Mothers Da Afternoon Tea — Chocolate Drizzle Cake Squares perfect to serve with Afternoon Tea.

Different types of cake provide a beautiful setting and greater sense of variety.

Afternoon Tea table set out. — Steamer Trading Host Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

Finally Remember

While the tableware and homemade goodies look beautiful set out for Aternoon Tea, here are some added little touches that take it to the next level.

Doillies – in contrasting and complimenting colours.

Fresh flowers – placed in large and/or small vases. Clean jam jars make inexpensive vases and flowers picked from the garden can look beautiful.

Rose petals – one rose had a limping flower head. Break off the petals and scatter around the table.

Bowls of fresh fruit. Strawberries are always popular and provide balance to the cake and scones.

Cellophane bags of truffles, tied with a complimenting ribbon, add an extra wow factor.

Lastly, don’t panic. Relax, enjoy yourself and your Mum will too. And, if you can’t bake then buy the cakes. Afternoon Tea on Sunday 26th March is about celebrating Mother’s. Your Mum, important female figures in your life, will be thrilled and honored that you took the time to celebrate them, with Steamer Trading helping you to Host Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea.

Afternoon Tea table laid out. — Afternoon Tea

I hope that you have enjoyed Steamer Trading Host Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, here are some recipes you may also enjoy:

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Drizzle Cupcakes

Iced Bakewell Tart

Chocolate Vanilla Viennese Finger Biscuits

So, whatever you make, bake and create to celebrate Mother’s Day, have fun enjoying you feast.

Sammie xx

Steamer Trading gifted me the five items directy linked to their site. All opinions, views, content and photography are my own. I was not paid for writing this post. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Franklins Fruity Summer Drink

Franklins Fruity Summer Drink a delicious, refreshing drink packed full of fruit and flavour. Alcohol free this fun drink is perfect for picnics, parties, barbecues and summer gatherings! Summer is almost here. In fact a few days ago I was convinced it had arrived early, but the weather was just teasing us Brits! During the brief, sunny, warm spell I created a fantastically fruity, refreshing tipple bursting with Summer flavour. Have a glass of Franklins Fruity Summer Drink on me!

Bursting with flavour, Dandelion and Burdock gives this fabulous drink wonderful spicey base notes, lifted by the slightly sour Scicillian Lemon Tonic and sweetened by juicy, ripe, British strawberries.

Franklins Fruity Summer Drink is incredibly easy to make, using nothing more than fresh fruit and Franklin & Sons soft drinks.

Franklins Fruity Summer Drink refreshing and alcohol free, this drink can be enjoyed any time of the day or night!! — **Franklins Fruity Summer Drink** refreshing and alcohol free, this drink can be enjoyed any time of the day or night!!

Since you may recognise this drink as looking incredibly similar to a well known British summer tipple?

That was the idea! To create a non alcoholic version of a very traditional summer drink, associated with Wimbledon, picnics, summer parties and Polo matches, held across our beautiful, British Isles.

Franklins Fruity Summer Drink is perfect for those who want to have fun, yet cannot, or choose not to drink alcohol.

Franklins Fruity Summer Drink packed with fresh fruit and ice. — **Franklins Fruity Summer Drink** packed with fresh fruit and ice.

I love a glass of something wonderfully refreshing, clinking with ice and full of flavour, whilst sitting in the garden or attending a family barbecue on a hot, summery day.

Franklins Fruity Summer Drink is incredibly thirst quenching, delicious and so pretty to look at too!

While the addition of fresh mint is not used simply for garnish. It’s fresh, clean flavour works so well with the fruit and Franklin’s soft drinks combination, to lift this from a great summer drink to a must have Summer drink.

Make this once and you will have friends and family begging you for the recipe!

Franklins Fruity Summer Drink making the most of our British Summer. — **Franklins Fruity Summer Drink** making the most of our British Summer.

Whilst arranging a party with family and friends, no longer will it be –

“Who is bringing the beer, wine, and oh we should probably get something in for the drivers?” the first question on everyone’s lips will be –

“Who’s bringing the Franklin’s?”

Franklins Fruity Summer Drink it's simple not a summer party without a jug of Franklin's fun. — **Franklins Fruity Summer Drink** it’s simply not a summer party without a jug of Franklin’s fun.

Recipe: Makes approximately 1 litre Franklins Fruity Summer Drink

300g British Strawberries

1tbsp Caster Sugar

275 ml 1 x Franklin’s Bottle Dandelion and Burdock

600ml 3 x Franklin’s Sicilian Lemon Tonic

200ml 1 x Franklin’s Tonic Water

Ice cubes

1 of each Lemon, Lime, Orange

1/2 Cucumber

Handful of Mint leaves – plus extra to garnish

Method: Making the Mocktail

Hull and quarter the fresh strawberries and place in a bowl.
Sprinkle over 1 tablespoon of caster sugar. Cover and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours (if they are prepped earlier then cover the bowl in cling film and pop in the fridge for up to 8 hours).
Note: Having made Franklins Fruit Summer Drink twice, I would suggest assembling the drink at least 15 minutes before serving. This gives the mint and fruits time to release their oils/juices and really give the drink a fuller flavour.
Slice all of the citrus fruits, halving if very large.
Slice the cucumber and cut each slice in half.
Fill a large jug 1/4 full with ice cubes.
Add half of the sliced citrus fruit, cucumber and strawberries to the jug.
Pour in the bottle of Dandelion and Burdock, 2 bottles of Sicillian Lemon Tonic and Tonic Water.
Stir with a long spoon (sundae spoons are great).
Take a hanful of mint leaves and gently scrunch them up in your hand. This will help them to release their wonderful oils.
Add the mint leaves to the jug and give a final stir.
Top up with extra Sicilian Lemon Tonic, strawberries and citrus/cucumber slices, until the jug is almost completely full.
We are going for a look of abundance here, this is a party in a jug after all!!!
Allow the drink to sit for 15 minutes. If possible double up on the quantities and keep a ready made jug in the fridge
To serve, pour the Franklins Fruity Summer Drink into tall, highball glasses, ensuring each glass receives a generous serving of fruit. Top each drink with a sprig of mint and serve with a smile 😉

Franklins Fruity Summer Drink serve with sunshine, good company and great food. — **Franklins Fruity Summer Drink** serve with sunshine, good company and great food.

Remembered Flavours

I love sparkling water, with ice and a slice of lemon, yet I have become completely hooked on Franklins Fruity Summer Drink. I think it’s because it is not sickly sweet, like some soft drinks can be.

When I found out that Franklin & Son Ltd. made Dandelion and Burdock, THE drink of my childhood I was uncontrollably excited and yes it tastes just as good as it did back when I was a nipper!

Everyone who has tried Franklins Fruity Summer Drink has loved it and some have mistaken it for another well known, alcoholic summer drink! What is great about this drink, is that those who do not drink alcohol can still have a glass full of refreshing, thirst quenching liquid that will have the ‘drinkers’ begging for a taste.

I love the odd glass of champagne at special occasions, yet due to my medication, I really cannot drink alcohol, apart from the odd sip. Finally I have created a drink that allows me and others to party with the best, instead of sitting on the sidelines nursing a super sweet warm cola.

Franklins Fruity Summer Drink is THE drink of Summer 2016 and onwards.

Whatever your plans make sure you have a freezer full of ice, fresh fruit in the fridge and a case or two of Franklins soft drinks, ready to create the ultimate summer party in a glass!

Top Tip: If you are going on a picnic, place some plastic still water bottles in the freezer over night. Pack the sliced fruit and strawberries into plastic containers. Pack the frozen water bottles around the Franklin soft drink bottles. Pop some mint into a plastic jug with a lid and remember to pack plastic glasses. Assemble as above, pouring away (or drinking) any defrosted water and then using a heavy implement to break up the ice in the plastic bottles (cricket bats are good!).

You now have the drink of this Summer wherever you go – beach, park, woods, anywhere!

Franklins Fruity Summer Drink serve this and you will be the hostess with the mostest! — **Franklins Fruity Summer Drink** serve this and you will be the hostess with the mostest!

Here’s looking forward to a Summer filled with fun, feasting, family, friends and Franklins Fruity Summer Drink.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Franklins Fruity Summer Drink you may also like these:

Fresh Strawberry Simple Syrup

FF Franklins Fruity Summer Drink — Fresh Strawberry Simple Syrup

Blueberry Banana Superfood Smoothies

Sammie xx

Franklin & Sons Ltd. provided me with the drinks for this post. All opinions, views and content are my ow. Please see my Disclosure Policy.